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Textured, Sunny Scandinavian Style in Sweden

Abe Martinez
Abe Martinez
Abraham has worked and traveled to over 50 countries and has built his foundation working on many studio feature films in Hollywood as a camera assistant, and has recently emerged as a Director of Photography.
updated Jul 10, 2019
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(Image credit: Abe Martinez)

Name: Lesley Pennington and her family (husband, a teenager and a dog)
Location: Viggbyholm, Sweden (Just outside of Stockholm)
Size: 240 square meters
Years lived in: 3 years

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Before the Pennington family acquired this property three years ago, this was the home of a famous Swedish textile designer. Nearly 100 years old, the house’s connection to textiles lives on: Lesley is founder and CEO of Bemz, “a Scandinavian design company that creates custom covers for IKEA sofas, chairs and more.” In this home, the layering of each textile, pillow or rug adds to the story of this historic space. But it’s not just the textures inside that impact this home’s lovely design—views of nature play a huge role, as well.

In Stockholm, seasons change almost by the hour. Respect for the environment is ingrained within the culture; nature is an integral part of life for each dweller in this land.

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With stunning views of the sea, this typical Swedish archipelago cottage encapsulates the vintage feel of Sweden while balancing modern furniture and embracing beautiful views of nature. Large windows frame seasonal changes, but light also pours in, seamlessly melding the inside and outside.

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This comfortable, calming house is enveloped in fresh, modern white, but soft furnishings in bold patterns and colors break up the neutral backdrop. Meaningful accessories, vibrant art and carefully chosen furnishings create a warm and inviting home.

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(Image credit: Submitted by Lesley Pennington )

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Eclectic—I love mix of old and new, designer and flea market, colours, textiles.

Inspiration: Swedish nature, Scandinavian style

Favorite Element: The house faces south—facing the sea and the sun. Big windows face the sun, and the sunlight streams in to the house all day. A cosy porch off the living room means we can move outside easily whenever it’s warm enough to be outside (which for Swedes means over 5 degrees)

Biggest Challenge: Decorating to suit our family lifestyle, and making sure that this is a sanctuary for all of us—a teenager, a dog, a husband and me.

What Friends Say: “The light”. It’s so light and open…

Proudest DIY: The garden. I was a city kid.

Biggest Indulgence: Our dining room table.

Best Advice: Live in a place for a while and start to feel how your family uses the space. Decorate to make your friends and family feel at home. Be true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to recycle old furniture that doesn’t fit into the space and discover new “recycled” furniture to replace it. Use textiles to redecorate in a conscious way—without throwing furniture out.

When you are working with an eclectic look, pick a red thread and stick to it. Mine was bringing nature into the house—I chose reds and oranges (the colour of the roof and the leaves in the fall) and green for the grass and the trees.

Dream Sources: 20th century designers—Swedese, Eames, Bruno Mathsson, Piet Hein, Harry Bertoia, IKEA,

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LIVING ROOM

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DINING ROOM

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MASTER BEDROOM

  • Bemz Headboard Cover in Brera Lino Rosewood Designers Guild
  • Bemz Bedskirt in Brera Lino Rosewood Designers Guild
  • Antique Bed cover Uzbekistan
  • Eames Rocking Chair
  • Curtains Bemz – Brera fino saffron by Designers guild
  • Wallpaper- from MrPerswall
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    GUEST BEDROOM

  • Bed cover and bedskirt from Bemz
  • Antique desk bought from Bukowskis
  • Painting bought at Vårsalongen in Stockholm
  • Sheets and duvet cover from Himla
  • IKEA Jennylund chair with Bemz cover in Brunna Melange Sand Beige Respect RECYCLED COTTON
    • (Image credit: Abe Martinez)

    UPSTAIRS FAMILY ROOM

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    TEENAGE BEDROOM

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    FRONT PORCH

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    Thanks, Lesley and family!

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